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Palmless
Prayer/Mass Murder Refrain (PP/MMR) is the latest full length
from the increasingly prolific Mono. Mono’s past releases
specialised in soaring instrumental rock dynamics which tended
to peak with cacophonous ‘calls to arms’. Mono however
were always slightly distinguished from their peers (i.e. Explosions
In The Sky, 65 Days of Static) as they exercised a deft sense
of understated, dark and nervy, neoclassical melody which they
intrinsically intertwined within their songs.
PP/MMR is the appropriately titled 4th album by these Japanese
instrumentalists. Katsuhiko Maeda, the man behind post rock/electronica
artist ‘World’s End Girlfriend’, is enlisted
to assist with this release, which is a departure from the peak
and trough sound expected by most. Instead, Mono & Maeda creating
an achingly beautiful soundscape which expands upon the quiet,
lush interludes found in their previous works. Subtlety and restraint
are employed as the tools of choice, whipping up somber yet lush
and celestial, orchestral pieces which evoke an otherworldly atmosphere.
The album slowly builds and builds, starting off with soft and
drawn out orchestral instrumentals. Violins become more of a central
theme as the album progresses, providing a dark, desolate, mourning
ambience which portrays a more identifiable and archetypal post-rock
sound. As we move into the middle of the album, instruments are
accompanied by perfectly suited, soft choral vocals, which add
yet another dimension to the heart-tugging emotion conveyed so
expertly by this album. As the album reaches is final movement,
it moves into a slow, dragging string and piano melody before
slowly (and maturely) building into a muted (but in the context
of this album, significant) crescendo which serves as the ‘explosion
of tension’. This release of energy is threatened so readily
throughout the album and only masters of the post-rock genre,
like Mono, have the ability to develop sophisticated buildups.
This release is a true long-player with each track serving as
a movement rather than existing in isolation. If auditioned in
a non-captive context, PP/MMR can easily be overlooked and exist
quietly as non-offensive background music. This album is requires
attentiveness on the part of the listener and will serve to provide
immense pleasure forever. This is truly timeless music. (RM)
For
fans of: Rachels, (early) Silver Mt Zion, Godspeed You! Black
Emperor
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